The Daily Show with Trevor Noah is one of the most popular late night talk shows on television. As the host, Trevor Noah offers a unique comedic take on the day’s biggest news stories and interviews celebrity guests and politicians. Attending a live taping of The Daily Show is an incredibly fun experience that allows you to see Trevor and the correspondents up close.
When are The Daily Show tapings?
The Daily Show tapes Monday through Thursday at 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM at Comedy Central’s studio in New York City. There are no Friday tapings of the show. Tapings typically last around an hour. You’ll want to arrive at least 60 to 90 minutes early so you have plenty of time to check in and get seated before the show starts.
How to get tickets
There are a few different ways to get free tickets to attend The Daily Show:
- Request tickets through the show’s website – Go to Showclix and fill out the ticket request form. You can request a specific date, but there is no guarantee you will get tickets for that day. The further in advance you request tickets, the better.
- Join the standby line – A limited number of standby tickets are distributed about an hour before each taping on a first come, first served basis. To get standby tickets, go to the studio in person and join the standby line. You may have to wait a while and standby tickets are not guaranteed.
- Try for last minute tickets on the day of taping – A small number of tickets are sometimes released on the day of taping if they have empty seats. To get these, go to the studio a few hours before the taping you want to attend and ask at the box office if any tickets have been released.
Ticket request tips
Here are some tips to increase your chances of scoring tickets when requesting through the Showclix website:
- Request at least 6 weeks in advance – The further ahead you request, the better chance you have of getting confirmed tickets.
- Be flexible on dates – Don’t just pick one date. Select multiple date options to give yourself a better shot.
- Aim for less popular days – Fridays and Mondays tend to be the hardest shows to get into. Increase your odds by requesting Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays.
- Request a smaller number of tickets – It’s easier to get a confirmation for 2 tickets rather than 4 or 6. Only request tickets for those in your party who really want to attend.
- Check for cancellations – Log in to your Showclix account regularly to check if more tickets have been released. You may get lucky with a last minute opening.
What to expect at the taping
Once you’ve scored your tickets, here are some things you can expect on the day of taping:
- Arrive early – Give yourself at least an hour lead time in case there are long lines to get in.
- No large bags or coats – Don’t bring anything too bulky as there is no coat check or bag storage.
- Go through security – Everyone entering the studio has to pass through a security screening.
- Check in at the box office – Have your tickets ready to scan before being ushered inside.
- Warm-up comedian – Enjoy some jokes and laughs from the show’s talented warm up act.
- No heckling or shouting – Be respectful and don’t disrupt the taping once it starts.
- Stay until the end – You need to remain quietly in your seat for the entire taping, usually lasting around an hour.
What not to bring
To ensure a smooth entry process, be aware of The Daily Show’s rules on prohibited items:
| Prohibited Items |
|---|
| – Large bags |
| – Backpacks |
| – Weapons |
| – Pepper spray |
| – Glass containers |
| – Outside food or drinks |
| – Selfie sticks |
| – Laptops |
| – Cameras and recording devices |
Leave prohibited items at home or in your hotel room. The studio does not provide any bag check or storage.
How to increase your chances
As a popular show, tickets for The Daily Show are always in high demand. Here are some top tips for boosting your odds of getting into a taping:
Request as early as possible
Tickets can book up quickly, so put in your ticket request at least 6 weeks in advance. Give yourself the best shot by requesting far ahead of time.
Be flexible on show dates
The more flexible you can be with dates, the better chance you’ll have of getting a confirmation. Avoid picking only a single date option. Select multiple dates instead to expand your possibilities.
Get smaller groups
It’s much easier to get 2 tickets confirmed than 4 or 6. Only request tickets for those who really want to go so you can maximize your chances with a smaller group.
Try standby or rush tickets
If you strike out getting advanced tickets, standby and rush tickets offer another option. You’ll need to wait in line so go early to increase the likelihood of scoring a seat.
Book a Comedy Central studio tour
Taking a studio tour is a great insider way to see the set and facilities. While tours don’t guarantee taping tickets, they can provide a fun behind-the-scenes glimpse.
Booking accommodations
If you’re traveling to New York City to see a taping, here are some lodging options close to the Comedy Central studio:
Residence Inn Times Square
This convenient Times Square hotel is just 0.4 miles from the studio. Rooms include free WiFi, kitchens, and sofa beds. Nightly rates average around $300.
Hilton Garden Inn Times Square
Located directly in Times Square and 0.5 miles from the studio. Amenities include a fitness center and restaurant. Rates are around $250 per night.
Moxy NYC Times Square
A trendy boutique hotel 0.6 miles away. Features include an all-day cafe and rooftop bar. Average nightly prices are $200 – $250.
Ace Hotel New York
This hip hotel is 0.9 miles from the studio in Midtown. Offers a lobby cafe, gym, and stylish rooms. Rates typically run $250 – $400 per night.
New York City tips
While visiting New York for The Daily Show, take advantage of these tips for navigating the city:
- Use the subway – It’s the fastest and cheapest way to get around. Purchase a MetroCard to use on trains and buses.
- Plan around rush hour – Avoid times like 8 – 9:30 AM and 5 – 7 PM when the subway tends to be more crowded.
- Walk and use rideshares when necessary – NYC is very walkable, plus Lyft and Uber make getting around easy.
- Visit free attractions – Many top sites like Central Park, the High Line, and Staten Island Ferry won’t cost you a dime.
- See a Broadway show – Purchase tickets in advance for a memorable musical or play on the iconic Broadway circuit.
- Eat street food and pizza – Grab a cheap bite at halal carts, taco trucks, and pizza by the slice around town.
Conclusion
Attending a live taping of The Daily Show provides an entertaining experience for both Trevor Noah fans and comedy lovers. With tickets often booking up fast, request far in advance, stay flexible with dates, and utilize options like standby lines. Make a visit during your New York City trip unforgettable by laughing along live with Trevor and the show’s clever correspondents.